The Department of Sport, Arts and Cultures gives the refugees concert a nod
Turquoise Harmony Institute was established in 2006.
Concert for refugees hosted by Turquoise Harmony Institute (THI) aims to promote social cohesion and encourage dialogue among people from different backgrounds.
Speaking at the Lindor Auditorium, THI executive director Ayahn Cetin said the organisations motto ‘So we may know one another’ was reflected in its events.
“The main reason behind most conflict is due to people hating each other while they know very little about each other. Peace and harmony are the main concerns for social cohesion in our communities, this concert aims to bring people together so we can know one another better and what better way to do that through music.
“THI aims to raise awareness of the plight of the numerous people on the African Continent and around the world who have been chased from their homes, forgotten, and misplaced by others, and to celebrate those who superhumanly overcame the challenges of being forced to be a stranger in another’s country.”
- THI’s first concert for refugees began in 2019. The 2019 concert set a new precedent for social justice workers around the world and THI was awarded the Pioneers in SDGs Project Stakeholders Award at the UNGA Conference in New York.
- The second concert was held December 10, 2020, on World Human Rights Day. It was live streamed to audiences around the world.”
Asked about his experience as refugee in the country, Dr Emmanuel Taban said he experienced the good and bad side of citizens in the country.
“Life is a journey, there are hardships and good times. South Africa is no different, when you’re in SA you meet two types of people– good and bad which is generally everywhere. The most important thing is what makes you as a person and your purpose which keeps you going in South Africa.
“For me, I think South Africans are afraid of something they don’t know. It’s up to you to reach out to the citizens and develop yourself to a level that you can make a difference not to be seen as a threat. That’s what I’ve done in my life, I will never be a victim but a
victor. I believe if you can focus on being a positive influence and person, and not on xenophobia you will go far.”
National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture representative Sizakele Shongwe added such events played a major role in promoting social cohesion.
“We understand that through music, acting and the arts at a large scale can portray certain messages to the public. We also use that as a kind of platform for promoting social cohesion and nation building. This programme also falls under our programme which is called ‘Social cohesion, nation building and target groups’’.
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